By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Delta State Chapter of the Estate Agents of Nigeria, under the leadership of Comrade Oke Oyibo, has outlined its plans for the year 2025, while addressing critical issues affecting the real estate sector in the state.
Oke Oyibo disclose this today during the association’s first meeting of the year, held in Warri, Delta State, the chairman spoke extensively on their vision for the year, ongoing challenges in the industry, and the need for government intervention to regulate housing rent.
Comrade Oyibo highlighted the association’s commitment to improving professionalism in real estate practice. He revealed plans to organize symposiums and training sessions, including a second batch of training for estate agents set to begin in March 2025, and a valuation training scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
He also commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for initiating the construction of 300 housing units across the state, describing it as a step towards addressing the housing deficit. “The governor’s effort to provide affordable housing will go a long way in reducing the shortage of housing in Delta State,” Oyibo stated.
He also praised the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Agele, for his commitment to combating real estate fraud and promoting efficiency in the sector.
Oyibo decried the prevalence of fraudulent practices among some estate agents and called for stringent measures to restore public trust in the profession. “We are here to change the narrative of ugly trends in the real estate sector, ensuring transparency and professionalism,” he said.
The chairman also urged the state government and the Delta State House of Assembly to address the issue of rising house rents. He argued that while economic hardship has contributed to the hike, some landlords and agents have exploited the situation, leading to unreasonable rent increments.
“There should be a standard for yearly house rents, and tenants should not be burdened with two years’ advance payment. The government must step in to regulate these practices,” Oyibo added.
Oyibo also called for clarity in the roles of lawyers and estate agents to avoid unethical practices. He criticized lawyers who prepare property deeds without verifying their authenticity, warning that the association would report such cases to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for disciplinary action.
In his remarks, Sir Francis Yekovie Esq. emphasized the critical role of estate agents in facilitating successful property transactions. “Agents are the backbone of real estate. They investigate the existence of properties and connect buyers with genuine sellers, making them indispensable to the process,” Yekovie said.
He, however, clarified that agents are not responsible for the current hike in rent prices. “The economic meltdown has forced landlords to increase rents as they face rising costs of living. It is unfair to blame agents for this trend,” he stated.
Yekovie called on the government to construct low-cost housing across the state’s 25 local government areas. “If the government provides affordable housing, private landlords will have no choice but to reduce rents,” he concluded.
The estate agents reiterated their readiness to collaborate with the government and stakeholders to address challenges in the housing sector. They also pledged to continue their advocacy for reforms that promote transparency, professionalism, and affordability in the real estate industry.